Be prepared for your next visit to the vet with these vital facts

Even though your Fluffy wouldn't hurt a fly, letting your pet wander is bad etiquette when you don't know the other animals or owners. "Plus, animals that are in pain or ill may react differently than they normally would," says Julie Legred, CVT, interim executive director, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Keep pets on leashes or in carrying cases, and everyone will get along fine.

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2. I NEED THE TRUTH—THE WHOLE TRUTH

You may be embarrassed that you don't brush your dog's teeth or that you do share your nightly Ben & Jerry's with your kitty—or more seriously, you forgot to give your pet his meds or left a poisonous holly bush within reach. Try to remember that the vet is there to help your pet, not to judge you, and withholding facts to save face can be dangerous.

Don't wait to call if you see changes in your pet's routine, lack of appetite, lethargy, a bulging abdomen, trouble breathing or signs of pain."With those symptoms, your pet could be bleeding internally or be critically ill," says Wendy Hauser, DVM, board member, American Animal Hospital Association in Lakewood, CO.

5. PLEASE DON'T PLAY DOCTOR

Never give your pet medications, particularly ones meant for people. Ibuprofen, for example, can be life-threatening to a pet. Even homeopathic therapies are problematic, as they can interact with a drug the vet may have already prescribed. "I love when clients want to educate themselves about pet health and care," says Dr. Hauser, "but there are a lot of unreliable sources out there."

6. BE DETAILED ABOUT SYMPTOMS

Before you show up, explain your pet's symptoms as best you can—it helps vets determine if an animal is contagious. "If your pet is sick with, say, ultra-contagious kennel cough, he can infect other pets," says Legred. What's more, waiting rooms often have pets that are too young to be vaccinated, so if they become ill it can be fatal. "If need be, we can have you come in after hours or through a side entrance."

7. HAVE THE NUMBER OF YOUR LOCAL 24-HOUR ANIMAL HOSPITAL HANDY

Your vet wants to be there for you as much as she can, but after office hours, this may not be possible. Ask her for the closest and best emergency facility before you need it. That way, you're not panicked if something concerns you late at night.